English Explanatory Dictionary

desist

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To cease to proceed or act; to stop (often with from).

Pronunciation

/dɪˈsɪst/ /dɪˈzɪst/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-desist.wav

Word forms

desist desists desisting desisted

Etymology

From Middle French desister.

Synonyms

absist belay blin break off cease cess cheese it come to an end desist discontinue forbear give up halt have done with hold leave off let up rest stanch staunch stay stop surcease terminate

Antonyms

continue persevere persist proceed

Related words

cease and desist delay hang fire intermit interpel pause wait avast

Derived words

desistance desistive desistor undesisting
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